
Highdive has once again cracked the Emmy ceiling. The agency’s wildly popular “Batman vs. Bateman” spot for State Farm has earned a nomination for Outstanding Commercial at the 77th Primetime Creative Emmy Awards, marking Highdive’s third nomination in the category—and its third in just six years.
The Television Academy unveiled the nominations from the Wolf Theatre at the Saban Media Center in Los Angeles, capping off what it called the largest voter turnout in Emmys history. The “Batman vs. Bateman” spot premiered during the Big Ten Men’s Championship and ran throughout March Madness. Directed by Hungry Man’s Bryan Buckley, the campaign quickly became a fan favorite, thanks to its star-powered cast and clever twist on superhero lore.
Starring Jason Bateman, SZA, Kai Cenat, Jordan the Stallion, and of course, Jake from State Farm, the spot hilariously plays on mistaken identity. Bateman may share a name with Gotham’s caped crusader, but there’s only one true Batman—and only one true insurance provider worth trusting. The message? Just having insurance isn’t enough. You want State Farm. Watch below:
“This campaign allows our brand, known for driving cultural relevancy through entertainment, to boldly ask consumers if they’re confident the insurance they have includes the coverage they need,” Kristyn Cook, State Farm’s chief agency, sales, and marketing officer, said at the time. “Through the juxtaposition of Batman and Bateman, we’re building the narrative for consumers to question the value being offered by our competitors.”
“Batman vs. Bateman” continues Highdive’s hot streak, joining past Emmy-nominated work like Jeep’s “Groundhog Day” and State Farm’s “Like A Good Neighbaaa.” While the agency hasn’t taken home the trophy yet, it remains one of the most consistent contenders in the industry, known for mixing pop culture savvy with big laughs and bold storytelling.
And let’s be honest—this was the Gotham showdown we didn’t know we needed. With Matt Reeves just turning in the script to The Batman II, we’ll happily settle for this entertaining twist, which delivers more Bat-fun in 60 seconds than some full-length blockbusters.
The 77th Emmy Awards air live Sunday, September 14 on CBS and stream on Paramount+. The Creative Arts Emmys will take place on September 6 and 7 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, with an edited broadcast airing on September 13 on FXX and streaming on Hulu.
With a nod this year and momentum behind them, this could finally be the year Highdive takes home the gold. Because when it comes to creative firepower, there’s no substitute for the Chicago shop that keeps punching above its weight.
Outstanding Commercial
- Batman Vs. Bateman – State Farm
Highdive, Ad Agency
Hungry Man, Production Company - The Boy & The Octopus – The Walt Disney Company
adam&eveDDB, Ad Agency
Hungry Man, Production Company - Brian Cox Goes To College – Uber One for Students
Special US, Ad Agency
O Positive, Production Company - Flock – Apple Privacy Page 10 – Apple
TBWA\Media Arts Lab, Ad Agency
Smuggler, Production Company - Heartstrings – Apple AirPods Pro
TBWA\Media Arts Lab, Ad Agency
Smuggler, Production Company - So Win. – Nike
Wieden+Kennedy, Ad Agency
Somesuch, Production Company
Congrats again to Highdive!
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